Did a loop today: Up Grassy Knoll Trail 147 to Big Huck, then back to Cold Spring and down the Alway trail, and biked back to the TH. Trails in good condition.

All the fallen trees across the trail have been cut and cleared by chain saw - a lot of work but no obstructions. The first mile from the trailhead is steep and in parts rutted. Thimbleberry and Bear Grass are encroaching the trail. The day was cold, windy, but dry. Climbing to Grassy Knoll is steep and narrow - wind exposed - but spectacular views east and west. At Cold Springs (half way) there is a George Alway Memorial trail that leads downhill to the road (68) one mile (if one wanted to place a car at each end). This Alway trail is not on the map but descends almost straight down from Cold Springs. Signs on the tree are diamond shape and spell AlWay. From trailhead to Huckleberry Mountain is part of the old Cascade Crest Trail. Starting at Carson, FS road 6808 to FS 68 to Triangle Pass seems to be OK but a high clearance vehicle is needed for most of FS 68.

Beautiful knoll. Ranks up there with Dog Mountain, Table Mountain, etc. Trail condition is rough. Lots of blowdown, however, there was a Good Samaritan clearing some downed trees all by himself, but he could not saw the large trees with his chainsaw. The trail continues to Big Huckleberry Mountain another 3 plus miles away. The trail condition worsens between Grassy Knoll and Cold Spring. Huge trees block the trail. Beyond Cold Spring, the trail is starting to disappear. The flowers are amazing: Indian Paintbrush, Glacier Lilies, Phlox, etc. It is a beautiful time of year to be there. Just be prepared to climb over/around fallen trees. This would be a great project for WTA.

I have been hiking in the gorge a lot and this is one of the most beautiful hikes I have ever been on. It does not seem to be that well known. There were 2 of us on a beautiful sunny Thursday and we saw no other people or cars. Like the previous report there are still places where the trail is blocked by snow and downed trees that required some scrambling, but worth it. The views are spectacular. We went about as far as Cold Springs Camp. Saw 3 bear cubs running on the road as we drove in. No sign of mamma. It is a steep hike in places, I would rate it as difficult. Be forewarned, pay attention to the roads as you are driving in. At the trial head there is a junction and on the return we inadvertently took the wrong road out (not well marked) and had to back track, probably lost about 1.5 hours

Beautiful sunny day planning to hike to Big Huckleberry Mtn. Trail not cleared of downed trees from winter--just a minor nuisance. Encountered snow just below Grassy Knoll; about 75' snowfield to cross or scramble to left through trees. Grassy Knoll snow free with some nice early flowers! Continued along ridge towards Big Huckleberry Mtn. For about 2 miles hit intermittent snow drifts but easily walkable. Fantastic views of Mt. Adams. Just past Cold Creek Camp at about 4.2 miles from trailhead the snow becomes widespread under the thick, timbered true fir stand. It is a couple feet deep and the trail disappears. I turned around and ended up with about a 8.5 mile hike. I saw no one on trail except two women close to end of my hike. I suspect snow will be gone in 30 days or so.